Holder means



March 23, 1965 w, w s'r 3,174,626

HOLDER MEANS Filed July 31, 1963 INVENTOR.

HOWARD W. WEST FIG. 3 32 BY ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,174,626 HOLDER MEANS Howard W. West, 2711 Laura St., Wichita, Kaus. Filed July 31, 1963, Ser. No. 298,977 6 Claims. (Cl. 211-42) This invention relates to handling, supporting, and suspending of books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, etc. More specifically this invention relates to a holder means for books, magazines, etc. which will serve as a :onvenient handle and/or suspension means for same.

This invention relates to a holder which when in an operative supporting position will enable the book, or the like, to be suspended, handled, and supported in a closed position, but will not interfere with the opening and use of such book. The invention relates to a holder which can be used to mark a particular page or location in a book or the like. The invention also relates to a holder which does not place an undue or damaging strain on the binding, and will not crinkle or otherwise damage the pages of a book or the like.

The handling and storing of often used books, magazines, periodicals, etc., such as telephone directories, manuals, reference books, etc., poses troublesome problems for the average user of same. If the book or the like is merely deposited or laid on a support, shelf, table, etc. it may become buried under other papers, books, etc. and thereby become diflicult to locate at a later date when the need for it again arises. Further, a book so deposited is likely to become damaged, soiled, the pages folded and crumpled, and/or the binding broken in normal everyday use.

When a book is provided with a means to suspend or hang same it becomes easier to locate and store, but other problems are encountered. The support means used, often a cord attached to the book or the like, interferes with the use and handling of same. When a cord is used, the cord may tangle, obstruct, and present an untidy appearance. The support means used may require a hole or aperture to be placed in the corner of the book, magazine, etc. which hole or aperture is difficult to make, and presents an objectionable defacing of the book. When the book, magazine and the like he longs to another, such defacing is often out of the question. Further, the conventional support means will often interfere with the opening and closing of the book, and also damage the binding.

Securing a conventional support means to a book, or the like is usually a tedious and troublesome operation, involving unbolting, clamping, etc. of an element of the support means and reassembling with the book secured thereto. Also, the known clamps for supporting books, magazines and the like often damage the surfaces of furniture, table tops, etc. when the book is placed thereon or opened on same in normal use. The marring or scratching of the surface of a piece of furniture is quite objectionable at any time, and in particular in fashionable homes, stores, libraries, offices, etc. where fine furniture is used.

I have invented a holder for directories, books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, and like. It has a portion, preferably a flat elongated portion, adapted to be disposed between adjacent pages of a book or the like. A support means is provided which is joined to the ends of the flat portion, and rigidly spaced from same. The support means serves as a convenient handle and/or as a means to suspend the book. The support means also insures that the flat portion will remain in position between the pages during normal use and handling of the holder. with a side thereof disposed in use between the pages of a book abutting the binding. Preferably, the holder Desirably, the holder has a trapezoidal shape Cir 3,l?d,62ii Patented Mar. 23, 1965 is in the form of a flat elongated planar element of a length slightly longer than a book, magazine, periodical, etc. that is to be suspended thereon.

The holder of my invention solves the problems of the prior art associated with book holders. My book holder provides a simple and easy way of orderly storing and handling of books, periodicals and the like. A book, periodical or the like mounted on the holder'of my invention enables same to be conveniently and easily handled or suspended. The holder of my invention is very easily and simply installed on a book, magazine, periodical or the like. Installation can be accomplished within a matter of seconds and does not involve any mechanical operations such as unbolting a clamp element and the like. The holder of my invention does not interfere with the opening or the closing and use of a book that is mounted thereon. In use a book or magazine can be placed flat on a supporting surface and the pages opened in the conventional manner. The book holder of my invention will not scratch or mar the furniture or surfaces on which it is used. It is also very simple and inexpensive to produce and presents an attractive appearance.

it is an object of this invention to provide new means for handling and suspending books, magazines, periodicals, etc.

It is another object of this invention to provide a book holder which can be easily and simply installed on a book, magazine or the like.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a book holder which can be installed on a book, magazine or the like without any modification or defacing of the book, magazine or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a holder for a book or the like which does not interfere with the opening and closing or use of the book.

Another object of this invention is to provide a holder which will not scratch or mar furniture etc. in use.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a holder which is simple and inexpensive to produce.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a book holder which will facilitate the handling and storage of books, magazines, periodicals, and the like, and present a neat attractive appearance.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a book holder which will facilitate the handling and storage between the pages of a book, magazine, or the like, which in use supports the book without damaging the binding or pages of the book.

Another object of this invention is to provide a holder having a flat elongated portion insertable between the pages of the book which in use stabilizes the holder.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure set forth herein. Drawings of preferred specific embodiments of the invention accompany and are a part hereof, and such are tobe understood to not unduly limit the scope of the invention. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred specific embodiment of my book holder shown mounted in a book.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a preferred specific embodiment of my invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of still another preferred specific embodiment of my invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial view in broken section: showing of still another preferred specific embodiment of my invention.

The following is a discussion and description of the new book holder of my invention made with reference to the drawings, whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or not to unduly limit the scope of my invention.

Referring now to the drawings FIGS. L4 and in par- 'ticular FIG. 1 and 2 which show the first preferred spe- 'cific embodiment of my invention which will now be described. The book holder 10 of my invention is a flat unitary planar element of a thickness preferably in the range of to of an inch. However, the book holder 10 can be of any suitable thickness, which thickness is determined in part by the type of material used and its structural strength. The book holder 10 can be made of any suitable type of material. The materials which are preferred for making my book holder are pressed wood, glass, carbdoard, plastic materials, fiberglass or other material reinforced or otherwise such as Bakelite, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyepoxies, polyvinyls, polyacrylates,v and the like, in any suitable color and thickness, wood, metal, etc. My book holder can very desirably be made from plastic sheet materials sold under the trademarks Textolite and Formica. I prefer to make the book holder out of clear plastic sheet which will present a neat clean appearance, and also not interfere with the reading of printed matter which the holder may in some instances cover. Book holder 10 has a first longitudinally extending elongated fiat portion 12 haw'ng a length in excess of the length of the book, magazine or periodical, etc. that is to be suspended thereon. The width of the first portion 12 can be of any suitable width, but is more preferably in the range of /2 to 1 inch. A second flat portion 14 is provided which is shown in spaced relation to the first portion 12, and is in the same plane. Second portion 14 is preferably positioned at a suitable angle relative to first portion 12, preferably an angle in the range of'3 to 7 degrees. A third flat portion 16 positioned at a right angle to first portion 12 is joined to the adjacent ends of the first and second portions, 12 and 14. A fourth flat portion 18 having a length in excess of the third portion 16 is provided and which is spaced from and parallel to the third portion 16. Portion 18 is joined to the opposite adjacent ends of first and second portions 12 and 14. As shown in FIG. 2, book holder 10 has smoothly rounded outside corners. An aperture 20 is provided in the corner portion formed at the intersection of second and fourth portions 14 and 18 respectively. Aperture 20 serves as a convenient means to suspend the book holder 10 on a nail, hook or the like. Book holder 10 is adapted to hold and suspend a book 22, as shown in FIG. 1, with the first portion 12 inserted between the pages of the book with the inside edge abutting the binding thereof, and with the second portion 14 extending outside of the book above the back thereof. The flat portion 12 inserted between the pages of the book serve to stablize the book holder 10 in the book 22. Further the long upper edge on portion 12 serves as a firm support which evenly applies a supporting pressure on the binding of the book, thereby preventing the breaking or damaging of the binding.

In FIG. 3 is shown another preferred specific embodiment of my invention. Book holder has generally the same arrangement of first, second, third and fourth portions 12, 14, 16 and 18 respectively as described relative to FIGS. 1 and 2. However, book holder 30 has a means adapted to hold and support a separate smaller insert pamphlet or the like,within a book or the like. This means is a. flat, generally U-shaped portion 32 joined to the first portion 12 along the lower edge and positioned in the same plane thereof. The base portion 34 of the U-shaped portion 33 is adapted to be positioned between the pages of an insert pamphlet or the like and abut the binding thereof along the top edge. Book holder 30 thereby presents a very convenient element which in addition to supporting a book, magazine, periodical or the like, enables it to hold in a convenient postion within 4 the book etc. a smaller periodical, pamphlet, folded sheet, or the like.

In FIG. 4 is shown still another specific embodiment of my book holder invention. Book holder 49 shown in broken cross section has generally the same structural arrangement consisting of first, second, third and fourth portions 12, 14, 16 and 18 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; However book holder40 is additionally provided with a pointed edge portion 42 on first portion 12 which enables it to be more easily inserted between the pages of a book adjacent the binding thereof particularly when the thickness of the book holder is greater. The pointed edge 42 has less tendency to bend the binding, particularly when portion 12 is relatively thick. Third portion 15 is provided with a thickened edge portion 44 which in use abuts the lower edge of the book along the binding thereof. The thickened portion 44 provides a wider support for the lower edge of the binding and thereby insures that the binding will not be damaged. This modification is particularly desirable when the book, magazine, etc. is very heavy, old or fragile.

The book holder of my invention can very simply and easily be manufactured or produced. It can be produced by any suitable forming method, as for example, molding in a conventional mold using any suitble plastic or moldable material, injection molding, stamping from a suitable sheet of material with a stamping press or the like, or cutting same from a suitable sheet of material. The book holder can be produced in any suitable color and thickness and can embody printing advertising and the like on any portion thereof. Further the portions can be modified to present any suitable pleasing design.

While I have described and illustrated preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that the book holders disclosed may be made in other forms herein described and suggested without departing from the spirit of my invention.

1. A holder for suspending and facilitating handling of a book comprising, a flat unitary planar element made of a clear plastic material of a thickness in the range of to W of an inch having a first longitudinally extending elongated fiat portion of a length in excess of the length of a book to be suspended thereon, the width of said first portion being in the range of /2 to 1 inch, a second fiat portion spaced from said first portion in the same plane thereof and positioned at an angle, relative to the axis of said first portion, in the range of 3 to 7 degrees, a third flat portion positioned at a right angle to said first portion and joined to the adjacent ends of said first and second portions, a fourth flat portion having a length in excess of said third portion spaced from and parallel to said third portion joined to the opposite adjacent ends of said first and second portions, said element having smoothly rounded outside corners, an aperture in the corner portion formed by the intersection of said second and fourth portions, said holder adapted to hold and suspend a book when said first portion is inserted between the pages of a book with the inside edge abutting the binding thereof and with the second portion positioned outside the book extending in spaced relation to the book back, and the aperture adapting same to be suspended on a hook, nail or the like.

2. A holder for a book comprising, a flat unitary planar element having a first longitudinally extending elongated flat portion adapted to be inserted between the pages of a book to be suspended, the width of said first portion being in the range of /2 to 1 inch, a second fiat portion spaced from said first portion in the same plane thereof, a third fiat portion joined at its ends to the adjacent ends of said first and second portions, a fourth flat portion having a length in excess of said third portion spaced from and parallel to said portion joined at its ends to the opposite adjacent ends of said first and second portions, said element adapted to hold and suspend a book when said first portion is inserted between the pages of a. book with the inside edge abutting the binding thereof and with the second portion positioned outside of the book in spaced relation to the back thereof.

3. A holder for suspending and facilitating the bandling of a book comprising, a fiat unitary planar element of a thickness in the range of to of an inch and having a first longitudinally extending elongated fiat portion of a length in excess of the length of the book to be suspended thereon, the width of said first portion being in the range of /2 to 1 inch, a fiat U-shaped portion joined to said first portion and positioned in the same plane thereof, the base portion of said U-shaped portion adapted to be positioned between the pages of an insert pamphlet and abut the binding portion thereof, a second fiat portion spaced from said first portion in the same plane thereof and positioned at an angle in the range of 3 to 7 degrees to said first portion, a third flat portion positioned at a right angle to said first portion and joined to the adjacent ends of said first and second portions, a fourth fiat portion having a length in excess of said third portion spaced from and parallel to said third portion joined to the opposite adjacent ends of said first and sec and portions, said holder having smoothly rounded outside corners, said element adapted to hold and suspend a book and a smaller insert pamphlet when said first portion is inserted between the pages of a book with inside edge abutting the binding thereof and a pamphlet is suspended on said U-shaped portion with the base positioned between the pages of the insert pamphlet and abutting the binding portion thereof.

4. The structure of claim 2 wherein a U-shaped portion is provided that is joined to said first portion adapted to be positioned between the pages of an insert pamphlet.

5. A holder for suspending and facilitating handling of a book comprising, a fiat unitary planar element of a thickness in the range of A to A of an inch having a first longitudinally extending elongated fiat portion of a length in excess of a length of a book to be suspended thereon, the width of said first portion being in the range of /2 to 1 inch, said first portion being provided with a longitudinaliy extending pointed edge, a second fiat portion spaced from said first portion in the same plane thereof and positioned at an angle in the range of 3 to 7 degrees to said first portion, a third fiat portion positioned at a right angle to said first portion and joined to the adjacent ends of said first and second portions, a thickened edge portion on said third portion, a fourth fiat portion having a length in excess of said third portion spaced from and parallel to said third portion joined to the opposite adjacent ends of said first and second portions, said eiernent having smoothly rounded outside corners, said element adapted to hold and suspend a book when said first portion is inserted between the pages of a book with the inside pointed edge abutting the binding thereof, and the thickened edge portion of said third portion abutting the lower edge of the binding preventing splitting thereof and With the second portion spaced from and extending along the outside of the book back.

6. A holder for a book comprising, a flat unitary planar element having a first longitudinally extending flat portion provided with a pointed edge portion, said first portion adapted to be inserted between the pages of a book to be suspended thereon, a second fiat portion spaced from said first portion in the same plane thereof, a third fiat portion joined to the adjacent ends of said first and second portions, said third portion having a thickened edge portion, a fourth fiat portion spaced from and parallel to said third portion joined to the opposite ends of said first and second portions, said holder adapted to hold and suspend a. book when said first portion is inserted between the pages of a book with the inside pointed edge abutting the binding thereof.

CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A HOLDER FOR SUSPENDING AND FACILITATING HANDLING OF A BOOK COMPRISING, A FLAT UNITARTY PLANAR ELEMENT MADE OF A CLEAR PLASTIC MATERIAL OF A THICKNESS IN THE RANGE OF 1/32 TO 3/16 OF AN INCH HAVING A FIRST LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING ELONGATED FLAT PORTION OF A LENGTH IN EXCESS OF THE LENGTH OF A BOOK TO BE SUSPENDED THEREON, THE WIDTH OF SAID FIRST PORTION BEING IN THE RANGE OF 1/2 TO 1 INCH, A SECOND FLAT PORTION SPACED FROM SAID FIRST PORTION IN THE SAMEE PLANE THEREOF AND POSITIONED AT AN ANGLE, RELATIVE TO THE AXIS OF SAID FIRST PORTION, IN THE RANGE OF 3 TO 7 DEGREES, A THIRD FLAT PORTION POSITIONED AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO SAID FIRST PORTION AND JOINED TO THE ADJACENT ENDS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND PORTIONS, A FOURTH FLAT PORTION HAVING A LENGTH IN EXCESS OF SAID THIRD PORTION SPACED FROM AND PARALLEL TO SAID THIRD PORTION JOINED TO THE OPPOSITE ADJACENT ENDS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND PORTIONS, SAID ELEMENT HAVING SMOOTHLY ROUNDED OUTSIDE CORNERS, AN APERTURE IN THE CORNER PORTION FORMED BY THE INTERSECTIONS OF SAID SECOND AND FOURTH PORTIONS, SAID HOLDER ADAPTED TO HOLD AND SUSPEND A BOOK WHEN SAID FIRST PORTION IS INSERTED BETWEEN THE PAGES OF A BOOK WITH THE INSIDE EDGE ABUTTING THE BINDING THEREOF AND WITH THE SECOND PORTION POSITIONED OUTSIDE THE BOOK EXTENDING IN SPACED RELATION TO THE BOOK BACK, AND THE APERTURE ADAPTING SAME TO BE SUSPENDED ON A HOOK, NAIL OR THE LIKE. 